Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Contests

Some of the Nesters are working on submitting entries to a couple of contests. One contest is
to create a Google doodle. The theme of the doodle is "If I could do anything, I would...". The other contest is part of the Massachusetts State Treasurers Office's Savings Makes Sense program. This contest is to write an essay about "why saving money for higher education is important to you." If you child has chosen to do one or both of these contests you will need to sign a release form that they will be bringing home. I will mail the returned form and contest entries in for the students, or they can send them from home. Many of the Nesters really enjoy contests and competitions. They are all such talented kids I wouldn't be surprised if we have a winner right here in the Nest.

Enjoy the February break. I look forward to hearing the tales of adventures the Nesters have gone on during the week.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Sara the guest blogger

Sara's talking Zit.

Mrs. Chapin

Mrs. Chapin helping Moira with her redwood tree project.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Geography ABC's

Hi, my name is Mia and I am a sixth grader in Falcon's Nest. My project was an ABC book for second graders. Each letter was an country of the world. Every page has a map, flag, and a fun fact. I did my project on PowerPoint, so the format would be appropriate. I hope the second graders like it, and I hope you liked my blog!!!!

ABC's and Trees

Mia presented her terrific Geography ABC's book yesterday and will be giving it to the second grade classrooms. We all learned a lot about the countries of the world. Did you know Hungary has no less that 1500 spas? How about the fact that Thailand is nicknamed "The Land of Smiles"? I get to learn new things everyday.
I will post pictures soon about the redwood tree that is growing in the Nest. Moira is building a tree out of papermache and it makes quite a statement. Moira's project highlights the many different learning styles the kids demonstrate while in Falcon's Nest. We have some kids, like Moira, who want to build and use their hands. Other students prefer to write or draw what they have learned. Some Nesters want to share with younger students and teach what they have learned, while others are content to have gained the new knowledge for themselves. The formats the kids use to express themselves are as different as the topics they want to learn about. The Falcon's Nest model is one of self discovery and independent learning. As their guide through this process I get to help the kids build upon their strengths and develop their talents. How lucky am I?

The latest in our "conversations to remember" file is "Why do some songs get stuck in your head? The age old ear worm question. Let us know if you have any insight to this topic.

Keep an eye out for more student blogging in the weeks to come!